Sean McDowell

Sean McDowell is an associate professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Biola University. He is the Resident Scholar for Summit California. Sean still teaches one high school Bible class, which helps him have exceptional insight into the prevailing culture so he can impart his observations poignantly to fellow educators, pastors and parents alike. In 2008, he received the Educator of the Year award for San Juan Capistrano, Calif. The Association of Christian Schools International awarded Exemplary Status to his apologetics training. Sean is listed among the top 100 apologists. He graduated summa cum laude from Talbot School of Theology with a master’s degree in theology and another in philosophy. He earned a doctorate in Apologetics and Worldview Studies in 2014 from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Sean played college basketball at Biola and was captain his senior year on a team that went 30-7.

Traveling throughout the United States and abroad, Sean speaks at camps, churches, schools, universities, and conferences and has also appeared as a guest on radio shows such as The Michael Medved Show, Family Life Today, Point of View, Stand to Reason, Common Sense Atheism and the Hugh Hewitt Show.

Sean is the author, co-author or editor of over 18 books and has also written multiple books with his father, Josh McDowell. Sean is the general editor for The Apologetics Study Bible for Students. He has also written for YouthWorker JournalDecision Magazine, and the Christian Research Journal.

Affiliations Faculty, Student
Position Associate Professor in Christian Apologetics
Degree B.A. Communications
Degree M.A. Philosophy
Degree M.A. Theology

Author's books

77 FAQs About God and the Bible

Is there scientific proof that God exists? Why does God allow suffering? Is he sexist? What’s the difference between the Bible and the Koran? Today’s seekers have questions—and the McDowells deliver concise, trustworthy answers! This informative resource offers authoritative, easy-to-understand responses to classic queries—and those that arise from contemporary culture.

77 FAQs About God and the Bible: Your Toughest Questions Answered – eBook

Is there scientific proof that God exists? Why does God allow suffering? Is he sexist? What’s the difference between the Bible and the Koran? Today’s seekers have questions—and the McDowells deliver concise, trustworthy answers! This informative resource offers authoritative, easy-to-understand responses to classic queries—and those that arise from contemporary culture.

A New Kind of Apologist: *Adopting Fresh Strategies *Addressing the Latest Issues * Engaging the Culture

Do seekers’ questions and criticisms catch you unaware? Here’s your go-to resource for defending the Christian faith in our changing culture. Targeting the pressing issues of our time, A New Kind of Apologist features more than 20 leading apologists addressing controversial topics including transgender lifestyles, the rise of Islam, economic and political realities, religious freedom, and more.

A New Kind of Apologist: *Adopting Fresh Strategies *Addressing the Latest Issues *Engaging the Culture – eBook

Do seekers’ questions and criticisms catch you unaware? Here’s your go-to resource for defending the Christian faith in our changing culture. Targeting the pressing issues of our time, A New Kind of Apologist features more than 20 leading apologists addressing controversial topics including transgender lifestyles, the rise of Islam, economic and political realities, religious freedom, and more.

A Rebel’s Manifesto: Choosing Truth, Real Justice, and Love amid the Noise of Today’s World – eBook

Modern life can quickly devolve into an online shouting match! Instead, Sean McDowell wants to help you live calmly and confidently grounded in biblical truth. He offers clear guidance on navigating bullying and social media; handling loneliness, sex, and pornography; approaching difficult conversations about controversial issues; articulating your faith; and more.

A Rebel’s Manifesto: Choosing Truth, Real Justice, and Love amid the Noise of Today’s World – Unabridged Audiobook on CD

In this book, Sean McDowell aims to encourage and inspire a generation of rebels who will dare to stand up to the madness in a just and loving manner.

A Rebel’s Manifesto offers clear guidance to help people navigate the many moral issues that plague this generation. Students today are oriented toward action on ethical issues, and Sean will not only help them think biblically about various ethical issues, but he will also offer practical steps to make a positive difference in this world.

A Rebel’s Manifesto: Choosing Truth, Real Justice, and Love amid the Noise of Today’s World – Unabridged Audiobook on MP3-CD

In this book, Sean McDowell aims to encourage and inspire a generation of rebels who will dare to stand up to the madness in a just and loving manner.

A Rebel’s Manifesto offers clear guidance to help people navigate the many moral issues that plague this generation. Students today are oriented toward action on ethical issues, and Sean will not only help them think biblically about various ethical issues, but he will also offer practical steps to make a positive difference in this world.

Bible Handbook of Difficult Verses, The: A Complete Guide to Answering the Tough Questions – eBook

Don’t let your confusion about a Bible verse or passage keep you from spiritual growth! Going from book to book, the McDowells boil down the tough topics, explain them in everyday language, and include a summary of key principles of interpretation. Their resource will help laypeople and pastors alike gain confidence and competence in all of Scripture.

Chasing Love Teen Bible Study Book

In this 9-session study, McDowell takes teens through God’s Word to answer some of their toughest questions about love, gender, and relationships. The Chasing Love Study Book contains introductory page, conversation starter, and questions with notes to go along with the video teaching and Bible passages.  Designed to be used with Chasing Love video teaching.  For groups and individuals.

Chasing Love-Teen Bible Study Leader Kit

From music to movies to social media, sex is everywhere. Many people think it’s the route to happiness. But Jesus tells us true contentment comes from loving God and others. In this nine 10–15 minutes-per-session study, McDowell takes teens through God’s Word to answer some of their toughest questions about love, gender, and relationships. Kit includes one DVD, a leader’s guide, and a study guide.

Chasing Love: Sex, Love, and Relationships in a Confused Culture

Romantic love: our culture is perennially obsessed with it . . . but also increasingly confused. Is love about self-fulfillment—or self-sacrifice? McDowell explores the Bible’s “radical upside-down” approach, addressing how Jesus speaks to singleness, LGBTQ issues, and sexual sin, and tackling the question “What if I’m not happy in my marriage?”

Chasing Love: Sex, Love, and Relationships in a Confused Culture – eBook

Romantic love: our culture is perennially obsessed with it . . . but also increasingly confused. Is love about self-fulfillment—or self-sacrifice? McDowell explores the Bible’s “radical upside-down” approach, addressing how Jesus speaks to singleness, LGBTQ issues, and sexual sin, and tackling the question “What if I’m not happy in my marriage?”

CSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students – Hardcover

Now updated with even more material, the CSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students anchors young Christians in the truths of Scripture by equipping them with thoughtful and practical responses when the core issues of their faith and life are challenged. With content curated by general editor, Dr. Sean McDowell, the core materials explores over 130 of the top questions students are asking today.

CSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students – Softcover

The CSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students is uniquely designed to meet the needs of students by encouraging them to ask tough questions about their faith and get straight answers. This revised and updated edition is edited by Sean McDowell and includes new articles and extensive apologetics study material from today’s most popular youth leaders and apologists. Addressing relevant apologetics issues and questions being discussed in our modern context, The CSB Apologetics Study Bible is an invaluable resource for equipping students with thoughtful and practical responses when the core issues of their faith and life are challenged.

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